On November 13, 2017, we were asked by Itabashi Ward Otaniguchi Elementary School to give a talk to the students in their general education class, as we are a manufacturer that incorporates universal design (UD). We then gave a lecture to the fourth graders.
At Nonoji, we use universal design, which is familiar to children and which they come into contact with every day, to carry out activities that help children "learn, think about, and experience what universal design is."
*Universal design refers to the design of facilities, products, and information that can be used by anyone, regardless of differences in culture, language, nationality, age, gender, or disabilities or abilities. This concept was officially proposed by Ronald Mace in 1985. The basic concept is "to create designs that can be used by as many people as possible." (Universal design - Wikipedia)
The lesson began with a talk using slides about the history and meaning of universal design, universal design in everyday life, and the many thoughtful features of Nonoji products.
The children were intrigued to learn that universal design can be found in unexpected places that we don't normally notice, and they enthusiastically answered the quiz questions!
After that, the children were asked to think about the tools around them and deepen their understanding of them. They were also introduced to Nonoji's large kitchen utensils, which are actually used, and were told that the cooks use these tools to prepare school lunches every day.
The children listened with great interest to learn about these unusual and large tools that they don't usually get to see.
The children were asked to bring the spoons and forks they normally use at home and compare them to Nonoji's spoons and forks.
The children are already used to using Nonoji spoons and forks at school lunches, but by comparing the two, they were able to once again realize that "Nonoji spoons are easy to eat with and don't spill!" and "Nonoji forks are easy to remove food from!"
They listened to our lectures with great interest and took notes diligently. They thought about various things and gave their honest opinions, so the class was a great success.
Nonoji not only provides products, but also engages in activities like this.
This outreach class has been held continuously since 2014.
I hope that Nonoji's thoughts will be conveyed to the children who will be responsible for the future, the nutritionists who provide school lunches, and the cooks, by leaving even a small impression on them.
Easy-to-use ideas that anyone can use lead to consideration for others. Nonoji supports the enrichment of children's hearts through products.
